Types of Erectile Dysfunction Treatments

Erectile dysfunction is a very common male sexual problem that, in many cases, is highly treatable with a number of treatment methods and medications. To find the best erectile dysfunction treatment to help with your condition, it is important to isolate the cause of your condition. These can include anything that disturbs the natural erection process. This may range from alcohol use, physical illness or relationship problems, all of which may require different treatment methods.

The questionnaire below can help provide you with a better idea of what could be causing your impotence and what treatment methods are most likely to suit you. Please note that this questionnaire is for guidance purposes only and under no circumstances should be used to self-diagnose. It's always a good idea to speak to your doctor if your erection problems are bothering you.

Questionnaire

Do you regularly experience difficulty getting or maintaining an erection?

YesNo

Do you have an erection in the mornings?

YesNo

Is this the first time you've had problems with your erection?

YesNo

Do you have an erection in the mornings?

YesNo

Do you only experience erection problems when you are stressed, depressed and/or experiencing issues with a partner?

YesNo

Do you mainly have issues gaining or maintaining an erection when you are tired?

YesNo

Do you only experience erectile dysfunction if you've consumed alcohol or taken drugs?

YesNo

Prescription medication fo erectile dysfunction

Oral impotence treatments, also known as PDE-5 inhibitors, have become the preferred option for most men suffering from this condition. They are effective for most men who take them and can be used for both short-term and long-term treatment of impotence. PDE-5 inhibitors function by allowing more blood to flow into the penile tissues, making it easier for a man to get and keep an erection.

There are three key prescription impotence treatments available. These include Viagra, Cialis and Levitra; all of which should be taken as and when they are required. However, variants of these treatments such as Levitra Orodispersible and Cialis Once Daily are also available. Levitra Orodispersible is a dissolvable treatment for impotence and can be taken without water when required, while Cialis Once Daily is a once-a-day low dose treatment to provide continuous help with impotence.

Surgery and other medical procedures

Surgery is one of the least popular methods of treating erectile dysfunction, as it's expensive and there's a high risk involved in these procedures, which means that the most common surgery involves the insertion of splints alongside the penile shaft. There are different types of splints or rods that can be used. The simplest is one that is simply lifted to achieve penetration, but there are more sophisticated inflatable splints available today.

Intracavernosal injection therapy can also be used and can be administered at home. This requires a man to inject Alprostadil into the penile tissues so that blood vessels are able to allow more blood to flow into the penis. Alprostadil can also be inserted into the urethra in pellet form.

Counselling

One of the main reasons men experience erectile dysfucntion is as a result of psychological factors. Take time to speak to your doctor and partner and if the cause of your impotence is a result of emotional issues and stress, you may want to consider counselling. Therapy can be very effective in finding out exactly what psychological issues are making it difficult for you to achieve or obtain an erection. If anxiety or stress is the cause, then a counsellor can help you to find ways to relax and enjoy sex again.

Impotence may also occur as a result of relationship problems, and in this case going to a sex counsellor or couples counsellor can help you improve communication and ease tension between you and your partner. The counsellor may also recommend exercises that help to relax and stimulate you before sex, which can improve sexual confidence and intimacy.

Sexual aids

Sexual aids can provide men with a temporary solution to their condition; however these impotence treatments have become less popular since the introduction of oral medications. Penis pumps are one of the most popular sexual aids available and work by creating a vacuum around the penis that stimulates blood flow, to the point where the there is enough pressure in the penis to create a sustainable erection.

Penis rings are useful in cases where you can achieve an erection and require help to maintain it, but you could also use a penis ring to sustain your erection after using a penis pump. Studies have showed that vibrators could also be very helpful in encouraging blood flow to the penis, especially in patients with spinal injuries. Unfortunately these are normally quite temporary and therefore may not be suitable for spontaneous intercourse.

Lifestyle changes

Alcohol, smoking, drug use and a poor diet are all factors that can influence a man's ability to achieve or maintain an erection. This is why a doctor will often recommend that you make adjustments to your lifestyle to see if it improves your condition.